The Western Bulldogs have fallen just short in a Friday night thriller at Mission Whitten Oval, going down by one point in a 4.5 (29) to 4.6 (30) contest against the Geelong Cats.

The Bulldogs made a quick start, kicking two goals in the first quarter to take an early lead on the scoreboard. 

But it wasn't long before the Cats worked their way back into the game, reducing the margin to one point late into the second term.

After half time, the game momentum shifted with the visitors taking advantage of the close margin. However, the Bulldogs refused to back down.

With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, a crucial goal from Emmy Nekrep put the Bulldogs back in front, with the hosts showing resilience in the dying stages.

The contest remained neck-and-neck throughout the tense final term, with the Cats ultimately finding a way to score and claim the narrow victory.

Kiera Leare found her way to the top of the Bulldogs stats with 24 disposals and an influential 15 contested possessions.

Ellie Bishop worked hard throughout the contest with 21 disposals and nine tackles, closely followed by Jorja Livingstone with 10 contested possessions and five inside-50s.

The Western Bulldogs' run at home continues into next week, as they take on Box Hill Hawks at the Kennel.

Match Details

WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.1 3.1 3.5 4.5 (29)

GEELONG CATS 1.0 3.0 4.1 4.6 (30)

Goals: McLeod, Nekrep, Sandral, Stringer

Best: Leare, Tabb, Jesser, Asciak, Sansonetti